His fateful year was 1968. While the students revolted, half of Paris went to the barricades and the signs were generally pointing to progress, Pierre Lacotte sat in the opera archives digging up an original ballet from the 19th century. More regression is hardly possible. However, a broken ankle condemned the dancer and choreographer to this forced break, which he used on the one hand to marry his longtime friend and colleague Ghislaine Thesmar. On the other hand, his archival research laid the foundation for a career that would take him to the most renowned houses in Europe and as far away as Russia: starting with “La Sylphide” – premiered in 1832 and reconstructed in 1971 – the dance world owes the Frenchman numerous revivals of the romantic repertoire. He knew better than anyone else how to snatch the esprit of the epoch, including its elemental spirits, elves and fairies, from oblivion.
Obituary choreographer Pierre Lacotte: The treasure keeper – culture
